Le dernier des Césars, &c.-The Last of the Cæsars; or, the Fall of the Roman Empire in the East. By M. le Comte de Vanblanc. 1 vol. 8vo. 6s. 6d.

In M. de Vanblanc are united those various qualities requisite to form an estimable public character; one of the most distinguished orators and zealous patriots of France. We are therefore agreeably surprised to see him, by the publication of the poem we have just announced, shine amongst the most estimable poets of the present day. The subject of this poem is one of the best that the history of man could offer. It is not, as in the Iliad, the coalition of some petty princes against a city of Asia Minor, a subject of small importance in itself, and which the poet was obliged to make subordinate to the de velopement of the anger of one of the Grecian chiefs. It is not, as in the neid, the invasion of a little country in ancient Ausonia, which precedes the union of the chief of the enterprise with the daughter of the weak sovereign of a petty state. It is not, like the Jerusalem Delivered, a conquest, certainly a respectable one, which occasioned no permanent revolution in the destinies of the people of Europe or Asia. It is the irruption of a horde of men barbarous in their manners and religion into Europe; it is the capture of the last rampart, and the capital, of the colossal Roman Empire of the East, overwhelmed by its ferocious conquerors; it is the absolute destruction of that empire. The execution appears to us equal to the magnificence of the subject. The marvellous is in some degree a necessary part of an epic poem in employing it, M. de Vaublanc has not made use of mythology, as being common-place; nor of magic, as he might by that means have rashly put himself in comparison with Tasso: he has therefore been obliged to create a new species of the marvellous.

A young and beautiful virgin, a descendant of the kings of Parthia, whom the vicissitudes of fortune had obliged to take refuge at Bysantium, resolved to unite herself to the God of the Christians by solemn vows: at the moment of the consummation of the sacrifice, Sandialla penetrates into Bysantium, and carries away Theodora, which is the name of the young virgin, with

whose fate, an ancient oracle had de

clared, was involved that of the empire. The captive, after having met with great dangers by sea and on the rocks, is transported to the camp of the Mussulmanns, who, under the command of Mahomet II., their emperor, besieged Bysantium. Mahomet and Sandialla are both in love with Theodora ; but Sandialla is more tender and respectful, and Theodora is not entirely insensible. Nothing restrains the fu rious love of Mahomet: the poet artfully contrasts these different sentiments. At the moment, when to possess Theodora Mahomet is going to ûse violence, and when, to free herself, Theodora intends to kill herself, she is taken up to heaven. The oracle which attached her fate to that of Bysantium is then accomplished.

The characters of the principal personages of the poem are drawn with the greatest vigour; and one of the most brilliant is that of Sandialla. This young hero, son of the celebrated Scanderberg, had been taken from his parents when a child: brought up in their religion, and gained their respect by his eminent qualities: he distinguishes himself at the siege of Bysantium, with the fiery courage of Achilles, and the impetuous ardour of Renaud: but, however brilliant his character, he never eclipses the Greek Emperor, Constantine Paleogalus. Always active and vigilant, this prince is constantly employed in fortifying the posts of the besieged town, or fighting upon the breaches, defending, even with his latest breath, the unhappy Bysantium against the ferocious Mussulmanns, who penetrated into every part of the city. He encouraged the timid soldiers with the powerful example of heroic valour; and his caution and prudence restrained those who would have rashly exposed themselves. A great many gentlemen of the most illustrious blood of France abandoned their fire-sides to shut themselves up in Bysantium, where they proudly sustained the glory and honour of the French armies.

In the composition of his poem M. de Vaublanc has made some bold attempts, many of which are happy; one of them, however, is not admissible; it is that which induced him to personify weakness, which is only a moral being, or rather the almost total privation of all the estimable qualities. The exterior marks of effeminacy are capable

of being made to produce the most seductive images in poetry. This has been happily exemplified by Boileau in that celebrated line,

"Soupire, entend ses bras, ferme l'œil et s'endort."

Weakness, on the contrary, can scarcely be perceived but through the apathy of him who is influenced by it.

The style of this poem is generally noble and energetic. The first canto is the least vigorous: inspiration, which is the distinguishing characteristic of a poet, M. de Vaublanc did not then sufficiently feel. The other cantos possess that magnificence of style which belongs to the subject. Happy are those to whom may be applied, as well as to M. de Vaublanc, the famous device, currit eundo. We regret that our limits will not permit us to transcribe any part of this poem which would justify our opinion of its merit, and which ought to place the author among the most distinguished poets of the present day. There are, undoubtedly, some parts a little laboured. The happy facility, which is remarkable in the versification throughout, proves that this production was not a work of labour, but an agreeable recreation from his political pursuits.

Tableaux Itinéraires, &c.--Itinerary, or Road-book of the Distances from Paris to the principal Towns of France, and to all the Capitals in Europe. By M. Collin. Unbound. 12s. 6d.

This work is a valuable companion to all who are travelling from one country to another, and consists of Six Maps. The first is, a general Map, to shew the plan of the work; 2nda Comparative Table, in four Languages, wherein the distances from place to place is calculated, not only in French leagues, but in the leagues used in the other countries, included in this Itinerary; 3rd-Roads from Paris to London; 4th-from London to Edinburgh, and Dublin, being a continuation of the preceding Map; 5th-from Dublin to the principal Towns in Ireland being a continuation of the preceding; 6th-from Paris to Amsterdam; 7th-from Paris to Stockholm and Copenhagen; 8th-from Paris to Berlin; 9th-from Paris to Petersburgh and Moscow, being a continuation of the preceding Map; 10th-from Vienna, Laybach, and Trieste, to Constantino

ple, being a continuation of the preceding; 11th-from Vienna to Petersburgh, being a continuation to the route from Paris to Vienna; 12th-from Paris to Naples; 13th-from Paris to Madrid; 14th-from Madrid to the principal Towns of Spain and Portugal; 15thfrom Paris to Brest, to Sables d'Olonne, to Rochelle and Rochefort.

This work is equally useful to travellers, merchants, and geographers. In the composition of it, the author has consulted all the Road-books and Itineraries of different countries, the best Maps, and the most authentic documents that could be accessible for such a purpose.

Fragmens d'Essai sur les Hieroglyphes Egyptiens, &c.—Essay upon Egyptian Hieroglyphics. By P. Lacour. 11s. 6d.

Only two works upon the Egyptian Hieroglyphics, before this publication appeared, had attracted the attention of the public,-one called, Edipus Egyptiacus, by Kircher (the only one of his numerous works that is, or ought to be, much esteemed;) the other, by Warburton, forming the fourth book of his work, entitled, "The Divine Mission of Moses," and which has been extracted and translated into French, by M. Leonard de Valpennes.

These two works threw some light upon the dark subject of Egyptian Hieroglyphics, but were far from satisfying scientific curiosity. The author of the work before us attempts, by a new system, to elucidate the mystery of hieroglyphics; but, like a truly learned man, he has done it with great circumspection.

The examination of some Egyptian hieroglyphics, twelve years ago, suggested to the author the idea of analyzing the Hebrew language, and comparing the primitive elements of that language with hieroglyphics. This comparison appeared to him necessary, in order to explain hieroglyphical writing by alphabetical writing, which might lead to the explanation of most of the hieroglyphics.

Seduced by the hope of finding the real principles of etymological science, and the signification of Egyptian symbols, the author confesses, that he did not enough consider the difficulties of the work he undertook, and presumptuously (to use his too modest expression) gave himself up to a new kind of etymological analysis. He examined all

the words, not only of the Hebrew, but also, when necessary, of the Arab, Chaldaic, Syriac, Ethiopian, and even Chinese languages. At length, he began a Hieroglyphical Hebrew Dictionary, destined to facilitate the interpretation of Egyptian hieroglyphics; but, for want of time, he was obliged, though reluctantly, to abandon his project. From that time, he resolved to relinquish all his researches; but seeing the attention of several learned men fixed upon Egypt, and their investigations turned towards the science of hieroglyphics, he yielded, perhaps too easily, (as he modestly says) to his desire of making known the plan he himself intended to follow, in publishing what he calls his Fragments. In spite of the confidence his system inspires him with, he only presents it as a conjecture; he does not give any scientific quotations, that nothing may appear to bias the judgment of the reader, and prevent him from forming an impartial opinion of the truth of his system. He has not searched, in the Hebrew language, for the known signification of certain hieroglyphics, he wished that the analysis of the language should give their meaning; so that, if this work agree with that which bears the name of Horapollon, with Clement of Alexandria, Diodorus Siculus, or other authors, who have explained some symbols, this agreement should encrease the confidence of our author, and is a coincidence worthy of his consideration. These Fragments contain some very extraordinary coincidences between the religion and primitive symbols of Egypt, and the symbols of the Catholic religion. These naturally preserted themselves to the author with such an air of truth, that he has, very properly, noticed them.

Documens Historiques, sur les derniers evenemens Arrivés en Sicile.Historical Documents, relative to the late Events in Sicily. 8vo. 2s. 6d.

These events, says the author of this pamphlet, are either little known, or

only known through false reports, the different Italian and French journals having distorted them through party spirit. Some partizans of absolute power have loaded, with the whole weight of their indignation, a people, who dared to claim the rights which belonged to them: others, friends of liberty, but anxious for the fate of their own country, blamed the Sicilians for asserting their independent liberties, which might prevent the freedom of the Neapolitans. Without stopping to refute the assertions of the two parties, the author thinks it right to relate the facts as they happened; he adds, that, though this revolution had not the happy result which the Sicilians expected, yet it cannot be uninteresting to give a faithful account of events which will form a part of history. The author declares, that he advances nothing but what is correctly extracted from official papers and accounts presented to government. It appears to us that he has fulfilled his engagement.

Trophée des Armeés Françaises, &c.-Trophies of the French Army, from 1792 to 1815. 6 vols. 8vo. £3. 15s.

These six volumes contain the military history of France, enriched with Sixty Views of the most remarkable Battles. These views, drawn with great truth, and engraved on copperplate with great skill, give, though on a small scale, a satisfactory idea of the events they represent; and, being taken from authentic documents, may be considered as faithful representations of the triumphs of France. To these views are added accurate accounts of every memorable fact, related with considerable warmth of style. They are preceded by an introduction, written by M. Tissot, who, in few words, describes, with scrupulous fidelity and lively interest, all the military history of France, during the space of twenty-three years.

AMERICA.

ASIA.

CHINA.

There is an official Gazette, which is regarded as the organ of the Chinese government in every thing that concerns the religion, laws, manners, and customs of this country. No article which has not been inspected by the Emperor, and which has not received his approbation, can be inserted. The least deviation from this rule, even the addition of a syllable, would be severely punished. A man employed inthe postage of letters was put to death, in 1818, for having published some false reports through the means of this gazette. The reason given by the judges in condemning him to capital punishment was, his having failed in respect towards his Imperial Majesty.

The Chinese Gazette contains articles relative to public affairs in this great empire, as well as extracts from memorials and petitions presented to the Sovereign, with his replies, orders, and favours granted to the mandarins and people. It appears every day as a pamphlet, and contains sixty or seventy pages.

GREECE.

A collection of all the patriotic proclamations, and of all the acts of the Peloponesian Senate, that have appeared since the commencement of the heroic struggle of the Greeks against their oppressors, has lately been translated from modern Greek into French, by M. Mustoxydi, a learned Greek of Corfu. It will shortly be published.

The Count Zenowitsch, a descendant from the ancient Greek emperor Zeno, is now residing at Frankfort-onthe-Main-his eldest brother is governor of Minsk, in Russia. The colonel formerly served under Kosziusko, and since in France. The Zeno family still adopt the armorial bearings of their aucestors.

TURKEY.

To each mosque is attached one or more colleges, and each has its own professor, who instructs students and examines them from time to time to ascertain the progress they make. The professors, or Muderris, as they are called, like every one employed in the mosque, are dependent on the Veli, and may be dismissed by him, or by the Nazir, (inspector) if they neglect their duty. Different colleges have different ranks, and the students of inferior ranks are examined for degrees by the professors in presence of the mufti. Those of the graduates, who aspire to distinguished places in the law, continue their studies for seven years as Mulugims; this time being expired, they are again examined by the mufti, and, if they are found capable, they are created muderrises. All the colleges, being considered as religious establishments, are accountable to the Kusi-ûsker of Rumili, the second jurisconsult in the kingdom.

EGYPT.

The Canal of Alexandria last year received, in honour of the Sultan, the name of Mahmoudie. It terminates a few steps from Pompey's column, and begins near the Nile, and under the town of Saouè. Its length is 41,706 toises, its width 15 toises, and its depth 3 toises. One hundred thousand men began it in January, 1819; this number was increased the following month to two hundred and sixty thousand; the workmen received a piastre a day. In the month of May, thirty thousand other workmen, from Upper Egypt, were added to the number; and on the 13th of September the work was completed. Six European engineers directed the work.

SWEDEN.

About a year ago, a Bible Society for women was established at Stockholm, at the head of which is the Countess Lowenhjelm.

DENMARK.

Captain Wulf, translator of Shakspeare's works, has just translated into Danish Lord Byron's Manfred.

Mr. F. Faber, who resided during three years in Iceland, and minutely examined every part of that mountainous country, has made a large collection of birds and their eggs, which are now exhibited in the Royal Museum.

and Algarva, covering a space of 4,630 He lately published a Latin account of his discoveries, under the title of Icelandic Ornithography.

PRUSSIA.

There is an establishment at Bonn, supported at the expense of the Prussian Government, and an Indian printing-house, where the characters are engraved, under the direction of Professor Schlegel; who is also employed in a grammatical and etymological coucordance of Sanscript, Greek, Latin, and the ancient German dialects. GERMANY.

There is now forming at Munich a Society for the Imitation of Oriental Manuscripts. The intention of it is to increase, by means of lithography, copies of the best works in the Turkish, Arabic, Persian, and Tartar languages, and to send them to the East, by the way of Trieste. Those who copy manuscripts, and those ornaments with which the Turks and Arabs like to embellish their writings, have, till now, prevented such a publication; but this difficulty may be overcome with the help of litho graphy. The low prices of this species of engraving will contribute to the dissemination of learning in the East.

Mr. Charles Rummer, a Berlin artist, has made a globe, where the mountains are well executed in relief.-He has them of every size and price.

Upon the estate of Count D'Erbach, a Roman eagle has been found, thirteen inches in height, and weighing seven pounds. It belonged to the 22d Legion.

There have been found near Stockstad, in Bavaria, some stones with inscriptions which indicate, that the funeral place of the 3d Cohort of the 23d Legion was at that place; where, also, have been discovered some coins of the time of Trajan, and pieces of sculpture.

Professor Zimmermann, at Giessen, has discovered, that all liquid atmospheric substances, such as dew, snow, rain, and hail, contain a combination of meteoric iron and nichel. - Rain generally contains salt, and a new organic substance, composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon, which M.Zimmermann calls pyrine. These same ingredients are found in the meteorolites, which are supposed to be of tellurick origin, rather than cosmique.

Poetry-Germany continues to enrich itself by translations from the ancient poets. The comedies of Plautus, Phaedrus' fables, the odes of Pindar and Horace have been lately translated into German verse, and the translators have preserved, throughout, the merit Eur. Mag. Vol. 82.

of the originals. It is difficult to appreciate the advantages which the German possesses over most European languages, in this respect. The French, in fact, have not a single translation of the ancient poets that is worthy of the name. Their prose gives only a distorted copy of them; and their poetry presents us with translations which are sometimes elegant, but never faithful. Among the Germans, on the contrary, wherever Pindar, or Horace speaks, it is the individual itself that speaks, and not the translator, who has only to substitute for Greek and Latin, German words of the same measure. No doubt, he requires, like all other translators, judgment and taste in the selection of words, that he may be at once elegant and faithful; neither can he more than other translators, attain this elegance, unless he be a poet himself. Hence it is that those who have distinguished themselves in works of imagination, are precisely those who have most happily succeeded in translating the ancient poets. To prove this, it is sufficient to mention the names of Voss, and to recollect that the author of Louisa has been the expounder of several eminent works. Phaedrus has been translated by M. Vogelsang. His style, in general, is easy and elegant. As to Pindar, it is the first time that his odes have been translated into verse of the same measure. M. Tiersch has caused the Greek text to be printed opposite his translation, to which he has added a treatise on the versification of Pindar, and many learned dissertations which are equally interesting. Tiersch, indeed, is entitled to higher merit than that of a mere translator. That he has been endowed with the original spirit of poetry, appears evident from having naturalized the songs of Pindar in Germany. M. Schmidt, the translator of Horace, has followed twice for once the precept, nonum prematur in añnum; for he has been revising and polishing his work since 1802. He has nearly equalled Rammlar, Eschon, and Voss. The last, indeed, is a formidable adversary before whom he seems to have yielded. He is also ac cused of having rendered his author unnatural by his excessive scrupulosity, and to have substituted the names of girls for boys in cases of a particular